Adil Najam
3QuarksDaily (3QD to friends) was the very first blog I visited and I got addicted to it immediately. I find it to be the most intellectually stimulating and educative blog out there. Over the last year, I have probably told more people about why they should visit 3QD than I have about ATP. That is how much I admire the work that the 3QD team is doing.
Although much of the 3QD team is from Pakistan, the blog itself is much much more than a ‘Pakistani blog.’ However, because so many of them are from Pakistan, a certain Pakistaniness does seep through into the posts in terms of the topics they cover and the way they over them.
One such very Pakistani post was the recent video made and posted by one of the 3QD team members. I must confess -sheepishly – that I may be one of the very few Pakisatnis who does not actually like Nihari. But I did love the video.
I love the video because it has this feel of real citizen journalism to it; both in its topic and its execution. But much more thank that, I love it because for some reason it gives me this very authentic Pakistani – and Karachi – feel.
Maybe it is because of the subject matter and the places it shows; maybe it is because of this very deliberate ‘unprofessional’ feel to it with the jerks and the dhakkas (what could be more Pakistani than a few dhakkas as you wak across Burns Road!); maybe its the simplicity of the narration. Whatever it is, I have been enjoying it for the last few days; the people at Karachi Metroblog have also been doing so for the last couple of days; and I thought you would too.
Aadab arz hai,
I have one grouse against you. I thoroughly enjoy reading everything about , being posted here. As long as it is Lahoriyat, Karanchiyat, Peshwariyat it feels as if I am looking at a picture, being described , taken in my neighbourhood. The moment Hindustaniyat or Pakistaniyat sneaks in, taste changes.
I was born in Eastern Uttar Pradesh(Luknow is the Capital). I grew up in a very secular atmosphere,where it was a matter of privilige to touch the feet of Ustad. Bismillah Khan ,while he walked the streets of Banaras on Mohurrum and wonder if Kaazi Sahab , would ever take us to Mecca, as he would promise on every meeting, while discussing about the preparations about the Holi. I grow up, and I am 26. I have never moved out of the country, though the only place I ever would like to visit is Pakistan(not the country, but the land beyond the imaginary lines at Wagah). When I listen to the musicians from Pakistan, they do not sound Pakistani. When I think about Lahore and Karanchi, I do not think about Pakistan. Then why do we have to think about it Sir? I would still love to read your wonderful descriptions, which make me strengthen my resolve to cross the damned border and see the wonderful cities and its wonderful people. Then I will sit down and prepare a chart about the quirks of people from the various cities of Delhi, Bombay, Lahore, Karachi and Chennai.
WHat do you say?
:)
As the maker of said humble video, just wanted to say a hearty thanks for your comments!
My cousin Munib and I have a tradition of going to Saddar or Burns Road or somewhere for nihari whenever I visit Karachi. Word on the street is that some place called Javed’s is hot right now.
A nice video I must admit also!
But what disturbes me is the language of communication between the two persons, assuming that the one rolling-in from the USA is also of Pakistani origin.
Paradox in the personalities in most of the Pakistanis makes them see themselves inferior to all others, and thats one of the biggest reasons of their mistreatment all over the world. It also makes them loose their language in less than a generation! Realizing from this persons accent, I really do not think that is not aware of his mother tongue, but if he is a bengali, it may be another matter!
Adil, it must have taken a lot of courage to accept in writing and in front of Pakistanis that you do not like Nihari. I am not a fan either and you have given me the courage to accept that now :-)
Loved the video though!
http://dawn.com/2007/02/01/top15.htm Jinnah in york University!